March 14 Demands Comprehensive Probe into Sunday”s Riots

The pro-government March 14 alliance on Friday demanded a comprehensive probe into Sunday”s riots such as it not only covers the military institution but also takes into account the circumstances inciting for violence.

 

A statement issued by March 14 also stressed that the investigation should take into consideration the timing of the protest which coincided with a meeting in Cairo of Arab foreign ministers.

 

The statement, read by former MP Faris Soeid, also pointed to the fact which proved that there were no power cuts during the time of the protest.

 

Demonstrators last Sunday took to the streets of Mar Mikhael, protesting against alleged long spells of power cuts in Beirut”s southern suburbs.

 

Demonstrators quickly degenerated into violence, leaving eight people killed and more than 40 wounded.

 

Protestors tossed stones at soldiers and the army fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowds. A probe

is underway to determine whether a third party was involved in the shootings.

 

March 14 expressed surprise at some parties which linked outcome of the investigation to the “future of Lebanon”s regime and the fate of the Arab initiative.”

The statement also insisted that investigations include “political parties that provided some protestors with rubber tires and groups that tried to disarm army troops.”

 

It also warned against continued attacks on Lebanese army positions, and called on the anti-government March 8 coalition to “shoulder responsibility in this regard.”

 

March 14 urged the judiciary to include the attacks on army posts to the probe.

 

Army positions in Beirut have been subject to grenade and concussion bomb attacks since Monday.